Let’s be honest: snoring is a BIG health & relationship problem. Not only is it affecting the quality of your sleep, but it’s probably also affecting the sleep of your partner.
Sometimes snoring is an indicator of an underlying health issue like sleep apnea, and sometimes it just happens as we age. People who have snorers in their families are more likely to be snorers themselves one day.
There are plenty of anti-snoring therapies and devices on the market, so it can take some time to find one that works best for you. Sleep products like chinstraps and pillows on the market only work some of the time. And what if you move and slip off the pillow? No bueno.
Finding a comfortable mouthpiece can also be a challenge, but I’ve found a lot of success with the Zyppah anti-snoring hybrid oral appliance. It’s comfortable, easy to mold to your mouth size and shape, and it stops the snoring. It also works differently than other anti-snoring mouthpieces.
How the Zyppah Works
While most anti-snoring mouthpieces work by gently sliding the lower jaw forward, which also brings the tongue forward because it’s attached to your lower jaw. This doesn’t fully prevent your tongue from getting in the way and causing you to snore.
The Zyppah also brings the jaw forward, but it adds a comfortable elastic that holds your tongue in place so that it can’t relax backward and block your airway. This is why Zyppah is called a hybrid oral appliance, and it’s a revolutionary new way to approach how the tongue contributes to snoring problems.
Fitting the Zyppah to Your Own Mouth
The fitting process is pretty easy to do: You’ll just boil some water, and use a pair of tongs to hold the Zyppah in the water for about 30 seconds. After that, let it cool a bit and insert into your mouth.
You mold the bottom first by advancing your lower jaw slightly, and then move your upper jaw to bite down on the top. Run it under cold water to set it, and you’re ready to go.
Unlike some other mouthpieces, you can do the setting process up to three times. So if you mess up on the first try, you still have two more chances to get that ideal fit.
Break-in Period
Zyppah is up front about the break-in period for getting used to your new appliance. Some people have a stronger gag reflex than others, and the elastic that holds your tongue in place can be difficult to adjust to because it sits far back in your mouth. The company recommends wearing the device during the day so that you get used to it. This will cut down on some of the more common issues such as drooling, gagging, and learning to breathe normally with the device in. Once you can wear the device for an hour each day without issue, you’re ready to use it while you sleep. The break-in process is different for everyone, but the company says it can take anywhere from three days up to three weeks to feel fully comfortable with the Zyppah. If you haven’t used oral appliances before, it may take you a while longer to adjust.
Cleaning and Storage
The Zyppah should be cleaned after each use. Zyppah offers a cleaner that is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-bacterial. It’s pretty expensive for a small can, though, so unless you suffer from a compromised immune system, you can clean this appliance with mouthwash. The company says that using toothpaste can cause build-up over time, so mouthwash is the next best thing. It comes with a handy case, so once you’ve cleaned and dried it, just pop it into the case to keep it protected until bedtime.
The Pros
The Zyppah hybrid oral appliance does help cure snoring effectively. If you suffer from sleep apnea, it doesn’t fix the apnea, but it does fix the associated snoring symptoms. As always, talk to your doctor about how the Zyppah will fit in with your apnea treatment plan. It’s easy to mold and fit, and it has a space between the upper and lower mouth pieces so that you can breathe. Once you get used to it, it’s very comfortable, and it’s incredibly effective. The tongue elastic works to stop snoring so that you and your sleeping partner can feel rested in the morning. The break-in period fixes a lot of the issues associated with oral appliances, including drooling and falling out. If you persist and commit yourself to give the Zyppah three weeks of your time, you’ll see your body adjust and it will simply become part of your nightly routine. There are workarounds for common problems such as dry mouth by using hot water to stretch out the tongue elastic. Customer service is fantastic, and they will happily guide you through any problems you’re encountering with your Zyppah appliance. The company also has a 90-day money back guarantee, so if you try it and you just don’t like it, your investment won’t end up in the back of your medicine cabinet or linen closet like so many other failed sleep devices. It’s also stylish: It comes in green and black, pink and white, and military camouflage pattern, depending on your preference. It’s latex-free, which is a huge bonus for many people. The company will also replace your appliance if your dog chews it (with photo evidence, of course!) Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make your overall experience with a product better.
The Cons
Zyppah isn’t cheap. At $99.95, it’s an investment. If your partner is elbowing you several times a night, it’s probably a worthwhile investment. However, the average age of the Zyppah appliance is only 3-4 months. It may need to be replaced even sooner if you’re a teeth grinder. This is absolutely something the company should be looking to improve, especially with the price point. The Zyppah doesn’t have an adjustable bottom, which can be difficult for people with differently sized mouths or jaws. While it’s designed to fit most mouths, some people with smaller or larger mouths find the Zyppah too challenging. You also shouldn’t use it if you have TMJ or caps on your teeth. They don’t recommend using Zyppah if you have asthma, either. Sometimes, even after the break-in period, people still have an issue with the Zyppah falling out of their mouths while they sleep. If you purchase a chin strap to use with the Zyppah, many people have found this to be a viable solution. It’s not specific to Zyppah, but it’s still one of the problems with using oral appliances.
Conclusion
The Zyppah certainly is one of the most promising anti-snore oral appliances on the market. Overwhelmingly, the positive reviews seem to support that this device is the best oral appliance option for stopping snoring altogether. For those contemplating the pillar procedure, this might just be the welcome news you’ve been waiting for. I think the science behind it works: The tongue elastic takes care of the role that the tongue plays in making you snore. The Zyppah, once you’ve gotten used to it and as long as you take care of it properly, works as advertised. The name Zyppah is “happy” spelled backward, and I think that’s a great name for this device. You can’t be happy if you’re not getting enough sleep because of snoring. I’d like to see the company either increase the longevity of the Zyppah or lower the price. Spending $100 every 3-4 months is a lot of money for a product you need every night. Some insurances might reimburse you for this cost, but that’s not always an option. It’s a great product, so I hope they will make this a priority so more snorers and their partners can get a great night’s sleep.
